Proteas vs Australia: The Plays of the Day

David Warner is bowled for 63 by Lungi Ngidi on Friday. Photo: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix

PORT ELIZABETH - IOL Sport cricket writer Zaahier Adams has compiled a list of the best moments from the first day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia.

Hero: Kagiso Rabada

Having been unable to strike with the new ball, Rabada returned after lunch in a venomous mood. For 18 compelling balls, he was virtually unplayable and tore through the Australian middle-order just missing out on a hat-trick in the process.

Ball: Lungi Ngidi to David Warner

A full delivery on middle and leg that snuck past the left-hander’s inside edge to hit the top of middle and off. It was the confidence-booster the youngster needed after struggling initially during the first session.

Villain: Kagiso Rabada

All Rabada’s good work of Friday may be undone due to the fast bowler having brushed shoulders with Australia’s captain Steve Smith after dismissing him. The incident may have serious ramifications for Rabada, who already has five demerit points. Should the ICC match referee feel there is sufficient evidence to charge Rabada with a Level 2 offence, which equates to three demerit points, he could be ruled out of the remainder of the series.

After the fracas that involved David Warner and Quinton de Kock in Durban, the PE fans went out of their way to remind Warner of the chirp that caused all sorts of drama this week. There were 100 spectators in the crowd wearing All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams masks. It did not seem to affect the Aussie batsman as he cruised to another half-century.